Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. We are committed to ensuring our people — those who make BCIT distinct, are developing while feeling valued, supported, and connected.
BCIT is a people-first organization. We aim to celebrate our employees by sharing their stories through the Our People series. The series features BCIT’s extraordinary employees who share a strong sense of pride and ambition for the Institute and make up our diverse community.
Get to know Elly Habibullah, Marketing and Social Media Specialist, Library Services, who has been working at BCIT for over a year. Elly is the creative mind behind the BCIT Library Services social media channels and coordinates the library’s events for our community.
What has been your most memorable moment working at BCIT?
My most memorable moment working at BCIT was the poetry reading event by one of BCIT’s Indigenous Elders, Rattle Woman (Candy Zazulak). In collaboration with the City of Burnaby and SFU, BCIT Library Services hosted Connect Fest (formerly known as Burnaby Festival of Learning). Every year during this one-week festival, we offer a wide range of free talks and workshops to the public.
Last year, Deirdre Grace, our Liaison and Outreach Librarian, had the brilliant idea to open in a good way by highlighting our Indigenous presenters for the first event of BCIT Connect Fest. Thanks to the generous support of the BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships team, we had the honour to hear the most captivating poems and stories from Rattle Woman.
What do you enjoy the most about working in post-secondary education?
I enjoy the process of learning and self-improvement. I naturally find great fulfillment in contributing to a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment where I collaborate with my passionate and knowledgeable colleagues. Above all, supporting the growth and development of students bring me the most joy. In addition, BCIT offers a sense of community, access to diverse learning opportunities, and the chance to be involved in meaningful projects that positively impact our society.
Access resources offered by Library Services to students, faculty, and staff.
What are projects or initiatives that you have completed at the Institute that you are proud of?
Being part of the Library team means getting involved in many exciting initiatives. Recently, we began recording a series of interviews featuring BCIT authors. The plan for these short, informative videos is to post on the library’s social media (Instagram and Facebook). I am not only proud to play a small role in this project but also amazed by the number of authors at BCIT and the quality of their work.
Undoubtedly, Exam Jam is one the most sought out events among our students and instructors. This week-long event of fun and engaging activities hosted by the library is designed to support students before their finals. Naturally, it has also quickly become one of my personal favourites.
Is there an Institute event or initiative that you look forward to every year?
As a communicator, I enjoy welcoming all students during the Kick Start Connect. It is incredibly rewarding to share the list of services that the students can benefit from in the Institute and see the spark in their eyes.
Similarly, I also enjoy participating in Big Info, where I get to see the satisfying smiles of parents and the excited faces of our prospective students.
Do you have a favourite spot or activity at the BCIT campuses that you enjoy spending your time at and why?
On the days that I am spending hours on a report or a design, you can often find me walking on the treadmill desk or pedaling the stationary bike desk at the Burnaby Campus library.
During the academic year when BCIT book club resumes its usual meetings, my favourite activity is joining the Any Book Book Club during my lunch break, where I can get lost in the diverse stories shared by our colleagues and students. Taking a short break to catch a glimpse into everyone’s world is something I find utterly enjoyable.
Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work.
Outside of work, I like to spend my holidays making art. Throughout my art journey, I have had the pleasure of learning from and meeting skilled artists and instructors who are truly exceptional in their own field. As a result, I get the opportunity to be trained in many disciplines. I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on installation and porcelain painting.
Check out my ceramic creations on my website.
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